Michigan State Football: 3 positions groups left to address in 2021 class
Linebacker
Right now Michigan State has zero linebackers committed. Spartan commit A.J. Kirk from Akron is listed as a safety, but he has the ability to come down into the box and play the hybrid role.
That being said, there still is not a pure linebacker committed to the class. Ross Els, the linebackers coach, has lost a few recruiting battles on linebackers Jamari Buddin, Mikai Gbayor and Jordan Eubanks.
Michigan State has been still been in contact with USC commit Ma’a Gaoteote according to Corey Robinson, a Michigan State recruiting insider for Rivals.
Top 100 4⭐️ LB Ma’a Gaoteote is interested in visiting Michigan State, despite being committed to USC.
— SpartanMag.com (@TheSpartanMag) August 4, 2020
@RivalsRobinson mentioned him being a possible flip candidate for MSU back in April. It seems like Goateote & MSU have remained in contact ever since. https://t.co/yir3AoXVFF
According to the 247sports composite, Gaoteote is ranked the 11th outside-linebacker in the country.
Michigan State took three linebackers in 2020, so they do not need to take an elite prospect, although it helps.
Ohio native Damon Ollison is currently an uncommitted linebacker with a Michigan state offer. He is also teammates with Kirk. Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona State have also put their name in the mix for Ollison.
Finding a late-bloomer is also an option for Michigan State. Once high school seasons are over, Els can evaluate film on some late rising prospects.
Either way, Michigan State will need to add a linebacker to the 2021 class.